After Shang Chao's death, Shand Yang confronts Cheng with his anger and demands that he find the murderer. Yang Cheng reveals that the perpetrator has a scar on their neck – a clue hinting at a past conflict. Xia Qing tries to support Yang Cheng, but he distrusts even the Hero Commission after Enlighter exposes that the kidnappers secretly released Pomelos to discredit him.

Yang Cheng publicly announces that he will challenge the original E-Soul during the 34th anniversary event to expose the truth about the hero system. The MG Corporation pressures the old E-Soul to accept the fight to salvage its dwindling support. Meanwhile, Rock equips Yang Cheng with high-tech gear developed by Shang Chao and plans to force the old E-Soul, through manipulated public demands, to use his vulnerable Lightning Slash attack.

During the preparations, Xia Qing reflects on Yang Cheng's transformation from a shy student to a determined hero and warns him of the risks. Rock orchestrates a media campaign pressuring the old E-Soul to abandon his defense. The battle begins under public scrutiny, with Yang Cheng relying on speed and precision despite technological inferiority.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger: The Hero Commission announces that one of the two E-Souls was killed after their trust values merged. Simultaneously, a final scene shows Rock negotiating with shady figures in the background – a hint at his dubious role in the conspiracy.